Iran's banking system must move faster in supporting production and damaged enterprises, while strengthening coordination and discipline across the network, the new Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance declared at a high-level meeting with state bank chiefs.
Seyyed Ali Madanizadeh, who chaired his first State Banks Coordination Council meeting since taking office, called for a more agile approach to directing financial resources toward the real economy. The meeting, held in Tehran, brought together top banking officials to review pressing issues including cybersecurity, enterprise rehabilitation, and the return of damaged businesses to the production cycle.
"The banking system plays a vital role in financing the economy," Madanizadeh said, urging banks to accelerate the delivery of services and facilities to all productive sectors. He stressed that resources must be channeled more effectively to where they are needed most.
The minister also emphasized the need for greater discipline within the banking network, calling for strict implementation of policies and enhanced oversight of bank performance. He made it clear that financial institutions must be held accountable for their role in supporting economic activity.
A key focus of the discussion was the rehabilitation of enterprises hit hard by recent challenges. Madanizadeh insisted that the full range of financing tools — including capital market instruments — should be deployed to revive struggling units and preserve jobs. Large industries and knowledge-based companies were singled out as priority areas for support.
Madanizadeh also highlighted the importance of leveraging the capital market's capacity alongside traditional bank lending to diversify funding sources for businesses.
The minister revealed that quarterly meetings will be held with each bank CEO separately, allowing for in-depth review of policies and performance. "Reports from these meetings will serve as the basis for the Ministry of Economy's decisions," he said, signaling a more hands-on approach to steering the financial sector.
The gathering underscored the government's determination to align the banking system with broader economic recovery goals, with a clear message: support for production is not optional — it is an urgent priority.
